<p>I was planning to go to the reception on the 16th but was wondering if I could get advice on traveling there. I live in the bay area of CA and so far, the only bright (and cheap) option for us is to fly from San Francisco to Houston and go to Des Moines International from there. Problem is that if we do follow that plan, we might have to leave the reception early because my dad refuses to stay more than one night (which would be Thursday) and in order to do so we would have to return the rented car then. Considering that the last time slot will probably be a chance to meet faculty and student organizations, (something that I look forward to more than anything), I would really like to stay for the duration of that time but I need to deal with this travel problem. Any tips or advice?</p>
<p>I believe Grinnell provides airport pick-up and drop off for students who are visiting that weekend, so there is really no need for your parents to come, unless they haven’t seen the campus and are keen to do so. In any case, your Dad could come with you, leave when he’s ready, and you could get back home on your own after the program ended.</p>
<p>Contact the school for additional information on logistics for that weekend.</p>
<p>Yes, and they are allowing students to do an overnight for one night. So, you could stay with your dad for one night in the hotel and then the next night in one of the dorms. I highly recommend that as you will meet a lot of people that way. Our S did an overnight in October and had an amazing time. BTW, we are from Nor-Cal too. Congrats on getting in. If you return to Calif. separate from your father, Grinnell can take you back to the airport in Des Moines for you return trip. Good luck and congrats!!</p>
<p>wow, I dont have a lot of money to spend, but I thought that visiting Grinnell would be a very good idea. Then I tried to find a way how to get there. Impossible. At least for me here in Czech rep. I can get a return ticket to New York for like 600 bucks, but I have no idea how to ifnd a connection between New Yorjk and Grinnell…</p>
<p>I guess I’ll rather save money and wait till the start of the term…</p>
<p>I was hoping to go to one of the receptions, but it would only work over my spring break (it’s a 10 hour drive from where I live), and I’m spending the Friday of my spring break having my wisdom teeth removed. 
I’m visiting on Tuesday the 6th though, so I can at least tour, visit classes, and eat at the JRC and such. I’m sad I don’t get to do an overnight though.</p>
<p>johnnydontcry–I think the admissions office will arrange an overnight for you if you ask for one. Doesn’t have to be on admitted students weekend. Or are you saying you don’t have time to do an overnight?</p>
<p>Cermi–there will probably be a pre-orientation trip of some kind. My son’s year there was a canoe/camping trip in Wisconsin. He got to check in to his dorm room early and then start getting to know other first year students. They really had fun even though it rained almost every day. There was a small fee for this trip, I don’t remember how much and you had to reserve a space early. Read what the college sends you. It was a nice way for him to start his college experience. Then there is an orientation that everyone does and activities for parents too, though of course not all parents can come.</p>
<p>My son and I were faced with a similar situation, Sprinx. We live in the San Diego area and wanted to travel during his spring break. Unfortunately, there weren’t many good last minute air options. We ended up booking a flight to Omaha, and will be renting a car from there. Our trip will be a short one - arriving Thursday night the 8th and leaving Saturday the 10th. My son has asked to do the overnight on the 9th. If you can arrange your dates and times, we would be glad to give you a round-trip ride from the airport in Omaha (as for lodging the night of the 8th, we booked into the Super 8 - by the sounds of it I am sure they would have another room available that night), and rides to the campus. Anyway, contact me if you think this is a viable option.</p>
<p>There are no overnights available that week, unfortunately. I’m not completely sure why, but I suspect it has something to do with the fact that many prospies are on break and trying to visit and that the Grinnellians themselves are just coming back from break. That’s okay though, I have my whole college career to hang around the Grinnell campus with a bunch of awesome people!</p>
<p>Hey guys,</p>
<p>Im a Grinnell student just perusing these boards, but I thought that I might be able to actually help on this question. Flying to Chicago is always relatively cheap. The bus company Trailways runs a bus almost everyday of the week leaving from Chicago in the afternoon and stopping in Grinnell (on campus) in the evening. The price is about $50 each way. Hope this helps.</p>
<p>Great tip!! We live in Naperville and found out there is a bus from Naperville to Grinnell for $50!! Thanks!!</p>
<p>Does anyone know how the airport shuttle pickup works? I’ve never traveled by myself before, and I’m terrified I’ll end up stranded alone in Des Moines International :P</p>
<p>You can register on the admitted student site for an airport pick up. If you are unsure, just call the Admissions office. The people there are very friendly and helpful.</p>
<p>I did register for shuttle pickup, but how do I find the shuttle when I get there? Will they meet me at the gate, or is there a place people taking the shuttle are supposed to meet up and wait?</p>
<p>You should call the admissions office to check, but most likely they will have someone with a sign at baggage claim or some specified destination. I would think that the Des Moines airport is pretty small, so it shouldn’t be too difficult.</p>
<p>Jordanxbaker= go to the baggage claim area where a driver with Grinnell ID will meet you. Des Moines airport is small. If you have connecting problems call Admission. If they know you are flying in they will wait for your flight. They won’t strand you.</p>
<p>The school will inform the shuttle what flight you are on. They will probably have a sign that says something like" Grinnell College Shuttle". The airport is not very big. I am pretty sure they will have your name on a list too. You can call admissions too, and they can direct your question. Don’t worry, you will be fine. They won’t just leave without you. Call the college so you can be rest assured. Your gonna love Grinnell.</p>
<p>Phew, that’s a relief. Thanks everyone! And d’smom… I’m sure I’m gonna love Grinnell too. :D</p>
<p>Thanks to everyone for their tips. They really help. </p>
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<p>By the way, has anyone actually tried registering for the reception? When I try to do so, it tells me to log in but when I log in, it says that I don’t have permission or that I should try to log in again. Has anyone else encountered this problem or know how to deal with it?</p>
<p>When ds flew in there last year, they had kids meet at the bagage claim, so it was easy to find each other.</p>